The Top 20 Shows Of 2012 (#10-1)

4. Mad Men (AMC)

After contract negotiations kept the show off the air for an agonizing seventeen months, Mad Men returned for a terrific fifth season, reminding viewers why a talky period drama has become appointment television. Spending so long away from the offices of Sterling Cooper Draper Price only enhanced the euphoria of once again indulging in the show’s masterful craftsmanship, brilliant performances, and savory dialogue. AMC’s original flagship series has built a distinct brand of stylish quality all its own, one several cuts above the imitators that sprung up (and died) during Mad Men’s absence.

That feeling of missing something came to guide the entire season, as Peggy began to question her role at the agency, Roger found fading clarity in an LSD tab, and Don struggled to keep his quickie marriage to Megan from going down a familiar road of distrust, and distance. The show lost some of its mysterious allure as the humor broadened, and creator Matthew Weiner’s symbolism drew more attention to itself than usual, but Mad Men’s signature formula of cynical cool, and creeping existential dread, remained as intoxicating as ever.

• Best Episodes: “Far Away Places,” “At the Codfish Ball”

3. Luck (HBO)

Were you to judge it solely on the spectacular race sequences at the center of each episode, Luck -HBO’s doomed drama of horses and aging gangsters, lost glory and second chances- was arguably the best thing filmed in 2012, TV or otherwise. But to do so would mean ignoring the richness of the world David Milch creates with the Santa Anita racetrack, one home to a disconnected family of degenerates, dreamers, and opportunists, all united by a shared belief in the power of dying traditions.

Milch’s jargon-heavy dialogue, and measured plotting would often make understanding the fine details feel secondary to luxuriating in the gorgeous cinematography, fantastic performances, and the magic that came with seeing all the enigmatic mysteries crystallized into something as pure, and stirring as the race scenes. It’s hard to pick the greater shame: that the show’s lasting reputation may never shake the animal deaths that ultimately got it cancelled, or that another season seemed like all it would take for Luck to hit full stride.

• Best Episodes: “Episode 4,” “Episode 9”

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